The capital city of India is a glorious concoction of the old and the new. Temples that are centuries old, archaic Muslim quarters, and modern residencies, all exist alongside each other. Home to over a crore people, Delhi’s tourism is a treasure trove of historic gems, gardens, museums and a thriving food culture. Travel to the metropolis for the vibrant bazaars of Chandni Chowk that give way to Lutyens’ New Delhi, that is the pulse of the city. Among the numerous places to visit in Delhi city, for an insight into the magnificent Mughal era, go to the 16th century Humayun’s Tomb, the towering sandstone mosque of Jama Masjid, and experience the sound and light show at Red Fort. Tourists can spend mornings at the extravagant Akshardham Temple and evenings at the Hazrat Nizam-ud-din Dargah (shrine) that boasts of sufi music and delicious kebabs. Another popular attraction of Delhi city is its pulsating markets that from baubles to handicrafts, sell everything you can possibly think of. Those who have travelled to Delhi for its particular brand of food, won’t be disappointed. From hole-in-the-wall eateries and local student cafes in North Delhi to lavish restaurants and bars in South Delhi, there is no dish or cuisine you won’t find here. A huge incentive for Delhi’s tourism is its variety of public transport, wherein the Delhi Metro is the cheapest and easiest way to get around the city.
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We reached Delhi .Our expert frens again booked hotel and we headed to hotel got ready .two of us wanted to shop rest wanted to take rest. So we went to some shopping and others went to red fort.Shopping I went to Cannught place but wrongly ended up in Palika .Though here also you can shop not that many options.I also went to Tibetian market , this is good .I missed going to Lajpat nagar .Finally headed to hotel and checked out and reached Airport just on time .Yeah with all the awesome memories and experiences and heading back to Benagluru reached by 2.30 am .Thanking All my trip mates Boss , Shanthu, Giri ,Suppi ,Praveen to making this trip a memorable one.

Reached Delhi had food and next plan was to board Haridwar train which was at 6.30am shatabdi next day .The day we booked flight tickets after a week we had done traing bookings from Delhi to haridwar .Haridwar to Amritsar and back to delhi.

Yipeeeeee , Finally jolting down one of our awesome trips which I went with my group recently .The trip was only planned and finally it got implemented after goibibo monsoon sale , thank you goibio . And six of us decided to join this trip we started our trip by booking our round trip tickets from Bengaluru to Delhi for 9 days.After this booking our plan was for North India trip , which places to cover and all 6 of us have to get convinced to this iternary whatever we were planning .A lot of debate was seen in mails.Then we all met in one of our frens home and decided the iternary after checking everyone's interest andbudget.Did a lot of youtubing and travel blog search finally concluded with the iternary .So Our plan was to cover Delhi then golden triangle Haridwar , Rishikesh,Amritsar and back to delhi and then home.Let me not waste more time and start with our trip .Flight from bengaluru was at 4.30 am on 27th october .We already had shopped and had a bag of 15kg with some empty bags so that we can carry it while returning .6 of us 3 gals 3 guys .Only one pair is husband and wife rest all are friends .We reached Delhi around 7.30am and planned to reach our place so hired meru taxi.Its little expensive.Try to board metro if you know the place well .We had booked oyo rooms near birla temple .So we had booked 2 rooms one for gals and one for guys with 3 each .Oyo had taken the reservation but the hotel said they cant accomadate 3 each .It has to be 2 per or one person on floor .This is really weird but true .So we called up oyo there was no help , they just said sorry no support was given .We had to cancel our earlier bookings and book 3 rooms with extra amount of 2000.It was really a bad start.Somehow we started our trip .Hotel receptionist helped us in booking a taxi 6 seater from 10.30 t 6 pm to do Delhi darshan for 2000 rs.Our trip started we had breakfast in hotel itself paratha and poori , both were just ok types.Our first point was Rashtrapathi bhawan, on the way Birla mandir[ though we just saw it from car],Parliament : here we got down and took some snaps.Its gives a very good feeling if you are patriot , nice buildings.Then we could see road opposite to parliament INDIA GATE.The first view was bit foggy [ lot of pollution smoggy i think]It is really beautiful and proud to see INDIA GATE and the names of various soldiers who sacrificed their lives for us ,Proud moment .This place was also crowded.You can take some good snaps here.

#TripotoTakeMeToHimalayasThe journey started from New Delhi, where me and my friends gathered around 11;30 p.m. at The Kashmiri Gate ISBT. We left for Chandigarh after boarding a regular bus @ Rs. 350/person. We reached around 4 a.m. where a friend of ours was waiting at the Chandigarh bus depot. We fueled up his Maruti Suzuki Swift and continued on our journey(Rs. 2000; 500/person). It was a 9 hour drive till Barshaini, where we parked the car and did a one hour trek till Pulga village. Our trek began at 1:30 p.m.

We had talked so little and yet we were still able to build a nice relationship. Fortune had something in store for us, our paths crossed over, he was visiting Delhi from Bengaluru,( now his place of residence, he was born in Philippines) receiving his sister, Gioia(visiting from Dubai) ,was one of the reasons for his visit.It was a different type of avventure, meeting two people I knew so little about. A whats-app DP was the only identity I had of him. I didn't even know his name.(Jay Malaga, I got that later)We made plans of meeting up in the traveller's way, taking a tour of the city to go with it.

Being a Virgo, I never really preferred unplanned getaways (apologies for generalising :p). The thrill of unplanned trips never crossed me, until this!Friday night.. Tired, frustrated, confused I returned home with no plans in mind whatsoever, until my friends barged in, equally tired!As we started making peace with the monotony, one of us had some excitement left in him to suggest "let's rent a car".That was it. That was all that I needed for a push. The push to travel during the weekend.In no time, we were all up and awake for Rishikesh.Well, why Rishikesh? Why not Rajasthan or why not Agra or why not Shimla or why not any other place which is at equal distance as Rishikesh?Because no other run-of-the-mill place succeeded to retain its charm that Rishikesh still beholds.Planned. Decided.

I took a flight from Bengaluru on 27th April, Unfortunately my flight got delayed by 2 hours and i landed in Delhi around 01.00 AM as i had to catch train to chandigarh from New Delhi station at 01.40AM i was freaking out due to chance of missing it. As my friend prerna was waiting for me outside airport in the cab we didn’t waste a split second and flied for the railway station at around 01.10AM. Somehow we managed to cover 18km of that distance in 30 min and reached the station at dot 01.40AM, When we got down from the taxi and entered the railway station, we heard the announcement of our train leaving and we started running towards Platform no 3 with our big backpack. When i reached PF 3 only last few coached were remaining in front of me and prerna was still on the way. I was damn sure we will miss the train, somehow prerna managed to increase her speed and we found ourself running on platform trying to catch the last coach of the train which was Guard’s Coach. Guard saw us running on platform and like Shahrukh of DDLJ gave his hand to prerna and pushed her inside and then without wasting a single breathe i jumped into the coach. We were literally numb for next 5 mins as it was difficult to digest whatever happened in last 2 mins. For the next 2 hour we were sitting in that Guard’s coach as the next stop of the train was at 3.53AM, Around 2.30AM train stopped at some station for crossing and we managed to get down and directly left for our reserved coach. After sleeping like a baby for next few hours we reached Chandigarh around 7AM and then left for Chandigarh bus stand to start the epic journey to Kinnaur and Spiti Valley.As i have documented all the details of the trip in the below videos. It will be helpful for you to have a look at them.

Rajasthan’s opulent capital is a magical land brimming with desert camps and lakeside palaces. Sitting on the edge of the Thar desert and surrounded by the Aravali hills, the Pink City boasts of hilltop forts, bustling bazaars and the best pyaaz kachoris you’ll ever taste. Among the places to visit in Jaipur city, the grandiose pink sandstone Palace of Winds, or Hawa Mahal, towering over the hustling streetscapes and the majestic City Palace are the ones attracting the most tourists. The 18th century old astronomical observatory of Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is a UNESCO world heritage site and a major tourist attraction. Perched proudly on the top of a hill is Amber Fort, dating back to the 16th century. The red sandstone structure houses palaces, temples, gardens and a lake inside its premises. One of the most favoured things to do in Jaipur is to walk through the lively Bapu Bazaar, and come out with bags stocked with bandhani-printed sarees, lac bangles, meenakari trinkets and blue pottery. And while you’re at it, shop for some string puppets or kathputlis that make for some excellent souvenirs.
Galtaji temple, also called the Monkey Temple, is another must visit in Jaipur city. If your eyes just can't get enough, visit Amber Fort, which has its own 600-year-old story to narrate, through its spectacular light and sound shows, cultural performances and folk music. Rajasthani tailored clothes, jewellery and handicrafts are a huge hit as souvenirs, for their exquisite mirror work, embroidery, leather and splashes of colour making up for most of Jaipur’s tourism. Some famous places this illustrious workmanship can be bought from are Rajasthali, Anokhi, Johari bazaar and Sireh Deori Bazaar, but remember to bargain. Central Museum and Albert Hall museum are great places to learn about Rajasthan's rich history and culture and also to buy handicrafts.
The Jaipur Literature Festival, the world's largest free literature festival, is dear to almost every bibliophile around the globe. Here, enjoy literature and music, amidst the likes of William Dalrymple, Stephen Fry and many other renowned writers and personalities. The 5-day festival is hosted in Diggi Palace, which gives people around the world an insight into Rajasthan's captivating cultural heritage. For those interested in pampering their palates with the flavourful Rajasthani cuisine against the backdrop of a picturesque village should visit Chokhni Dani. For a regal experience, a stay at the Suvarna Mahal is a must visit. Read More

Inside Akshardham there are lot of cafe and eateries , so we had nice food and finally headed to metro station and huuh we were damn tired and slept off , as we had to start our next day trip of golden triangle .Next day destination was Jaipur.We started from the hotel by 6.30 am our journey to Jaipur.We reached hotel in Jaipur around 12pm .We checked into the hotel.This hotel was near Amber area. The hotel also had some look of palace and big enough .This had a pool as well so since it was pretyy hot we just jumped into the pool .After pool we quickly ordered our food in the hotel only and everyone got ready .Our plan was to visit Jalmahal [ outside view ], Hawamahal , City Palace , Jantar mantar if possible and some shopping .Jal mahal street view has many people with the authentic Rajasthani dress which they provide for rent [50rs] and take the photo .There were many colorful umbrellas , very cute ones which you can buy for a bargain for 150rs. Then we headed towrds the city Palace ,it is a beautiful place giving the pink city view and finally we could visit only Hawa Mahal as they have entry timings which will be closed by 4.30,Plan accordingly as per your priorities.Finally after enquiring we found out GT towers is good place for shopping , we had some yummy lassi and started towards the GT towers .

Rajasthan, the desert state of India is a prime tourist destination in India. Studded with “must sees”, it can be difficult seeing it all in one go, especially if one is short on time.This is part one of the series where I try to complete most of the places in Jaipur considering I had just a day at hand. I managed to visit most of the tourist places mainly the Amer Fort, Jalmahal, Jantar Mantar, City Museum and the Hava mahal. Though most of the places were covered another trip to soak in the culture and hospitality of the Rajasthani's will be required.

Day-12 Ludhiana-Jaipur: As our descent journey started our machines picked up speed as we need to reach our hometown in our planned time. Driving was much easy now as the dirt roads were no more. we were riding plane roads. The day ended at the Pink city Jaipur.

Jaipur--Pink City of India.It was my dream to travel Rajputana about which I read in history book-- the place of Rajputs , palaces and many tales. I planned Jaipur in a very unplanned way . The positive side of this travel time ( Monsoon) was exclusive cloudy backdop. One must enjoy and love to see & shoot the beautiful massive architectural brilliance under cloudy backdrop. I will surely not able to provide a day to day plan schedule but can show some of the photographs taken by me during the visit along with narration.To any bong, Nahargarh is the place where " dushtu lok ta vanish hoye gyalo"--(The bad guy vanishes) . A very popular dialogue of a Bengali thriller Sonar Kella by renowned film director Satyajit Roy. In fact there are many visitors who wants to see the exact shooting place .

Day 2-3I had already made a list of the places that I wanted to explore . The first and the nearest was Hawa Mahal . As the name suggests , it was indeed hawadaar owning to 953 windows or jharokhas(that's what a window is called in a native language) present on its walls . It took me around an hour to explore the whole palace . Since it was Diwali, the whole city of Jaipur was flooded with tourists both Indians & Foreigners . Hawa Mahal is located in the main local market of Jaipur , hence most of the time the traffic moves at snail's pace . If you wish to expplore the local market it would be better to park your vehicle and then proceed .

The next time you visit Jaipur, take a trip down this lane. Meet some of the bangle sellers and hear their stories. Their wares are delicate and you can be assured of their quality. My bangles made it through check in baggage in the flight without a single one breaking. This is a testament to their quality and hard work.

In Jaipur, you can opt for a morning cycling tour that is usually organised everyday. Following are the best destinations you can cycle to:1. Outback Naila: 20km, 2-3 hrsA tiny village about 15km from Jaipur which is a replica of the Jaipur city. The route to Naila is very picturesque and goes through the quiet Jaipuri countryside. Cost: Rs. 2,200 (breakfast and gear incl.)

A sea of palace windows, Jaipur is noted for its stunning display of lights during Diwali. Decked up in thousands of earthen lamps, every market in the pink city narrates a different story during Diwali as each year, there's a competition for the best decorated and most brilliantly lit up market. So if you're in Jaipur, now you know where will you get that picture perfect shot Diwali shot.Photography Tip: Don’t be afraid to use ISO freely. Noise on an image can be easily removed while editing and thanks to Canon EOS 1300D's Wi-Fi and NFC compatibility, it's now all the more convenient to edit photos and share them on social media!

Home to the grandiose Taj Mahal, Agra’s city echoes of its bygone Mughal era days. Located in Uttar Pradesh, tourists from across the world flock to Agra all year round. Boasting of three UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Agra Fort in the city,the white marble architectural wonder of the Taj Mahal and the nearby Fatehpur Sikri. Agra is also dotted with numerous tombs and buildings that have been left behind by the Mughal empire. Agra’s tourism can also be credited to its sweeping gardens of Soami Bagh, Ram Bagh and the most beautiful of them all, Mehtab Bagh. Agra city is also swarmed by a multitude of temples that add to Agra’s vibrant character. The Balkeshwar and Kailash temple on Yamuna’s banks worship Lord Shiva, while the Mankameshwar Temple is loved by the locals for it mellifluous aarti. And while you are in Agra, you should definitely incorporate Sikandra in your itinerary. Akbar’s tomb, or Sikandra lies north to the city, and takes about thirty minutes from Agra. Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, fondly referred to as the Baby Taj is another must visit.
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I thought, only I am excited to see the Agra fort, but saw dad walking fast to secure us entry passes. As soon as you enter the monumental doors of Agra fort, you are going have a war with local guides. Once you succeed in the negotiations, the journey inside begins.

The most popular weekend getaway from Delhi would have to be Agra. Within 200 kms from Delhi, it takes less than 3 hours to reach Agra via Yamuna Expressway. While it may be famous for the Taj Mahal, it is also a great weekend destination away from the bustling city. If you are a history buff, this city will definitely catch your fancy. It is home to some of the country’s best architectural marvels like Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.

It was 14th August , the day of the week when most of the people are hit with Monday Morning blues (sometimes I do too) and the next day being 15th August was holiday .As usual , I had nothing to do other than to lie on bed lazily the whole day . Suddenly it occured to me that I should visit Agra . I never have had any chance to visit Agra previously . Agra is just 230 kms from Gurgaon and around 4 hours drive . I geared up and quickly booked an Activa online for 2 days . I cost me 650/- INR excluding fuel . I left the office early and picked up my ride from Wheelstreet (online bike renting plattform) . I reached my place , took a quick shower , packed the necessary items for two days and started my solo - road trip to Agra . If you go on a bike , road trip do not forget your powerbank , face mask , driving gloves , and arm sleeves . One thing to note here that if you are going to Agra on a road trip on 2-wheelers , do not take the Yamuna Expressway . Instead opt for the Palwal highway which is pretty good .In my case , I did the same opted for the latter , which is comparatively safer . I left Gurgaon at 7.30 pm after having some evening snacks .Google Map was of great help and the connectivity throughout the journey was good.I had a pit stop at one of the dhabhas along the way . The food was yum and the price reasonable . I passed through the famous towns such Gokul , Vrindavan and Mathura . Even at around 12 o'clock at night , these towns were lively and jubiliant as the next day was Janmashmi . The celebrations of this festival was in full swing and most of the relevant shops were open . At around 1 AM , I was on my bed at my Hotel Room . I had not booked it earlier , so I had to pay a little extra which I regretted . After 4 hours drive , I needed rest and I dozed off as soon as I hit the bed .So friends please , book your rooms beforehand or be ready to make a good bargain .

Sharp a 2 hour journey and at 8, we got off at the Agra Cantt Railway Station and headed towards the hotel in our pre-booked vehicle.A quick check-in, we drop our luggage and move further to have the first WOW experience, it's the Agra fort. Beautiful architecture and amazing history, we see, click, listen, learn and come out full of stories and pictures.

If you have visited Taj Mahal a thousand times and have come to believe that that there's nothing more to discover, wait till you see Mehtab Bagh on a moonlit night. Tourist guides and popular travel books will rarely tell you about this hidden treasure of Agra, simply because it's difficult to locate among the winding by-lanes of the city. But once you find it, you get a chance to enjoy a panoramic view of Shah Jehan's beloved Taj Mahal.'Wah Taj!', you will say to yourself.

The trend of backpacker's hostels has finally come to India. And who's complaining. Zostels are like the travel hostels we have all seen in the movie Queen. Clean, cheap, centrally located and secure.In addition you get to meet loads of new people waiting to be your friends. Zostel is expanding rapidly by the day. Presently, there are around 20 Zostels in India and one in Nepal.Currently, Zostel is offering a volunteer Programme where you can be at their front desk. In return they offer you free accommodation. Cool, Isn't it.Volunteer to Travel :I have been a huge fan of long trips. I barely plan 2 day trips. Short trips are for tourists, vacations are for travelers. Don't get me wrong here. But how can you capture the essence of a place, visit the offbeat places, do what the locals do in 3 days. You barely have time to rush to all the touristy places. Isliye, I volunteer. This provides you a change to contribute in your own little way during traveling and gives you an immense sense of satisfaction.Here are few of my favorite volunteer organisations:

Start your trip in Agra by visiting the Taj Mahal. An ivory-white marble mausoleum, a symbol of love and commitment, Taj Mahal is also one of the seven wonders of the world. Also check out Fatehpur Sikri, located at an hour's drive away from Agra and the Agra Fort.

Day 13We reached Agra in morning and checked in Big Brothers hostel, A very cheap AC paying guest facility with free breakfast.We Started our day with the Taj Mahal. Both of us had thought of Taj Mahal few times before, but never had the chance. Then to went to Agra Fort, then by afternoon had lunch and returned to hostel.

Lucknow or the City of Nawabs sitting on the banks of the Gomti river, is regarded as North India’s cultural capital. Uttar Pradesh’s capital, Lucknow is replete with historical elements dating back to the colonial era that are known over the world for their Awadhi-style architecture. But Lucknow’s ethos lies in its delectable cuisine and its unique Chikankaari (shadow-work embroidery) garments that are must-buys if you are in the city. Lucknow is also known for its sweeping gardens and pure Kathak dance-forms that are showcased in numerous events held across the city. The city is also thriving with a lovely Urdu poetry scene. The ginormous tomb complex of Bara Imambara is home to a stunning labyrinth and neighboured by the equally popular mausoleum of Chhota Imambara, the Husainabad clock tower and a fantastic art gallery. And while in Lucknow, feast on its delightful assortment of Awadhi and Mughlai food that comprises of everything from kebabs to the makhan malai (a saffron-flavoured local ice-cream).
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8 Sravasti – Lucknow (5 hours) This morning, one can meditate at Sravasti. See Angulimals’s Stupa, the Jetvana Gardens, Anand Bodhi Tree and the Sri Lankan temple with its paintings.In the afternoon we can leave for Lucknow.

From Agra, leave for the capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow. A foodie's paradise, Lucknow is known for the world-renowned tunday kebabs. But there's much more to explore in this underrated city. Buildings reminiscent of the British Raj, mausoleums, and a bhool bhulaiya (maze) to get lost in this city, make it a fun place to visit.

The journey from Bhairahawa to Lucknow marked the final leg of TON 2017. After crossing the border (which happened surprisingly quick), we traversed 360 km of Indian highways through Gorakhpur and Faizabad to arrive at Lucknow. There was celebratory ceremony marking the conclusion of this epic journey. Receiving certificates of completion made the riders ecstatic and emotional which was evident in farewell addresses by fellow mates and crew members.

The Nepal journey began from Lucknow at the Golden Tulip Hotel. It felt like déjà vu entering the hotel lobby, seeing the riders wait with their riding gear and luggage with curiousity and high hopes in their eyes. Some of the people from the Bhutan team were back again for this one and I could completely understand the excitement in their hearts as we caught up and discussed old episodes.The highlight of the team this time were the 4 female riders who had joined us from Bangalore and Aurangabad. They seemed confident, experienced and ready for the challenging ride with all their charm.Day zero was First aid training by Tarun (Rashtriya Life Saving Society) followed by tour brief by Shawn Dsouza and Rohan Pimpley (RE team) with a thorough Q&A session breaking the ice and setting the tone right for the team to kickstart the journey next day.

We started from Lucknow, aka The City of Nawabs & reached Gaya Junction, the nearest railway station to Bodhgaya after a twelve-hour journey by train. Without any delay, we took an auto-rickshaw to Bodhgaya that is around 17 km away. You can find a number of transport facilities to go Bodhgaya from Gaya Junction.Where to Stay –

Lucknow, also known as the city of Nawabs has developed over the years but hasn't lost its rich cultural heritage. The city is divided into two parts the old city and the new city . The old city primarily consists of the Imambaras (shrines), the monuments, the very famous tundey kababs. The new city has the malls and the parks. There is a startling difference between the two, the new city is cleaner , better roads and it's easier to get a mode of transportation, whereas the old city is dusty and the main mode of transportation is cycle rickshaw, electric rickshaw and shared autos, however, it has most of the places that are worth seeing.

The flight reached Lucknow at 8:25 a.m. At the airport we took the taxi for 250 rs. At the prepaid counter it was told 300 rs. You can bargain for around 200. We reached the railway station to pick up our bikes by 9:30 a.m. but the counter at the railway station opens only by 10-10:30.We paid 550 to the guy as a bribe though the actual amount is 350 for 24 hours.
Checklist:
A swiss knife to remove packing from bikes else you will have to pay someone to remove the packing.
5 liter empty can as bikes won't have petrol while packed and transported and in case the petrol pump is far
A good cloth actually multiple number of clothes to clean bikes.
A right turn from the railway station and around 3-4 km you can find a petrol pump. Our route of 324 km which we planned for this day was Lucknow -> Faizabad -> Basti-> Bhairwah->Saunali Here we took the diversion to Naugarh instead of going to Gorakhpur. Unfortunately, this route was very deserted and roads were pretty bad. We kept riding till evening and late in the night at 12 a.m.
#Stay
Some people suggested us Sanju lodge but we were so tired that we took the first lodge we found named Niranjana.

Located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Nainital is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Northern India. The stunning Nainital lake is bang in the middle of the city and offers tourists stunning sunsets and enchanting sunrises.
One legend says that Nainital derives its name from the Goddess Naina, whereas another legend claims that once when the Goddess Sati was being carried by Lord Shiva, her eye fell in the area.
The lovely hill station promises a rejuvenating weekend break for those who are coming from the capital city and is definitely worth a visit. Like most hill stations, Nainital has a bustling mall road, warm cafes and a very busy Tibet market. The mall road houses shops selling candles with intricate designs, wooden knick knacks and colourful woollens. Do bring back some souvenirs as keepsakes!
If you have time, do visit Sattal, Naukuchiatal (for paragliding and kayaking) as well as Ranikhet for its surreal beauty. If you are looking for a quiet, carefree holiday, visit between the months of January and April. It'll be cold, but there won't be any crowd.Read More

2. The multi-cuisinesBeing the major tourist destination, Nainital is the perfect spot for food. Get the taste of authentic Pahadi food, the exotic Italian and Chinese cuisines too. Momos and Thukpas come under the famous food in Nainital, that you can get from any eatery. But don’t forget to taste the traditional sweet, the Bal Meethai. The soft and chocolaty sweet is famous in the entire Kumaun region. Don't forget to visit the Maggie point.

Day 12We took a walk a around the lake. Then took Rope Way to Snow view point, but could not see anything from there for fog. Then we went to Cave gardens, but cave were all closed for rain. By afternoon we started for Agra.

Day 11We came to Nainital in morning. After some walk beside the lake we found a hotel. But rain started, which mostly ruined rest of the day. At night I took a walk in the city. City looked quite great at night with the lake and all the lights over hills.

The tiny little town established by the British around the Naini Jheel- Nainital has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations of Uttarakhand.We've all reveled in the vibrance of this quaint town, so much so, that most travelers return to Nainital every holiday season! Adding yet another feather to its cap, Nainital is now home to a first of its kind concept holiday resort, Abbotsford 1876. No longer do you need to jostle with the crowds on the Mall Road or trudge from hotel to hotel to find a quiet room; you can simply drive right up and stay in absolute luxury at Abbotsford and enjoy Kumaon in its pristine natural beauty. The Victorian settings and the breathtaking view will make you feel that Abbotsford is the Downton Abbey of India!ABBOTSFORD 1876

My favourite although was Naukuchiatal as it was a quiet and serene lake nestled in the surrounding green hills with variety of bird life.We also enjoyed a boat ride here instead of the more popular Naini lake of NainitalBy evening we returned back to our room and called it a day.

Day 2: Morning started with the majestic view of Himalayas from the room itself. Slowly we pulled ourselves out from the comfort of the room to experience the chill outside and the morning fresh air. After breakfast we moved towards Nainital. Checked into a holiday home and just spent the day at leisure , visiting the Naini Devi temple, roaming around in the mall road in the evening and savoring hot momos and thukpas and finally retiring to our room.

Not on the regular tourist hot spot list.This church is one of the earliest buildings constructed in Nainital. The church was built in 1852. Located around a kilometre from the Naina Devi Temple, close to the High Court, this Anglican Church stands as an evidence of Nainital's history and culture and a reminder of era gone by.The foundation of the church was laid by Rev. Daniel Wilson, the fifth Bishop of Calcutta (now Kolkata) and the first Metropolitan of India and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), who visited Nainital in 1844. During his visit he was forced to stay in an unfinished house situated on the edge of the forest due to his illness. Rev. Wilson had been an assistant curator at St. John's Chapel, Bedford Row, Bloomsbury. From his memories of Bedford and his stay in wilderness came the name St. John's Wilderness Church.The church is often confused with another church (more popular) of the same name located in the forests of Forsyth Ganj below Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh. Lord Elgin, the British Viceroy of India (1862-63) who died in 1863 lays buried in the Church Cemetery, after all this was his favourite location. His wife Lady Elgin had donated Belgian Glass windows to the church. The church survived Kangra earthquake of 1880 with some damages.Coming back to the Nainital church, the church is enclosed among Pine/Deodar trees (this entire area was Pine Forest area) and one can still see huge pine trees all around. St. John's parsonage has a Church, Cemetery (one of the oldest in Nainital) and a school which has grown from being a small kindergarten school (in 1970's).The church is made in Gothic style, one can still see water spouting Gargoyles (rain water drains) on the roof. The artistic windows have most of the glasses broken, the ancient wooden pews, all these still carry the old world charm. Services are held in the church on Sundays and other Christian event days. The church earlier had a very unusual feature that of a gun rack close by the door-members of the congregation encountered wild life on their way to the service and thus required something for their protection, sometimes used for hunting occasional deer etc. too. This rack is no longer there.For pictures of this beautiful location click here Nainital saw a major landslide in the year 1880 (the same which led to the formation of the Nainital Flat). The church contains a brass memorial dedicated to the victims of the landslide. Bodies of few of the Christian victims are buried in the cemetery.The church is a peaceful haven, it is not much visited by the tourists. In fact most of the local taxi operators would show their ignorance about this church, they would try and push you towards more popular destinations, some of them would tell you about the St. Francis Church (on the Mall road). Inform them about the church near High Court and they would bring you here, but would still show ignorance about the name.Must visit destination for all those who want experience an era gone by, all those who still want to experience the feel of wilderness.St. John's Church Picture Gallery. How to reach: Location Map

Best time to visit - January,February,March,April,October,November,December

An ancient holy town and the starting point for pilgrimages to the Kedarnath Temple and the Badrinath Temple, Haridwar is the first recipient of the mighty rapid and revered Ganges, originating from the Gangotri Glacier. Its vast mythological background, beautiful temples (Shanti Kunj Gayatri Parivar), spectacular festival celebrations and the world famous Kumbh Mela (hosted every 12 years) make it a popular destination to be visited from around the world.
Haridwar comes alive during sunset, when the evening aarti (ritual of worship) starts at Har Ki Pauri, a ghat (steps leading to a river) and the main attraction of the town where both the Ganga banks are lit up with floating claypot candles and chants of devotees and priests resonate musically throughout the town.
The religious city serves no alcohol anywhere and restaurants are strictly vegetarian too, some well known ones being, Big Ben Restaurant, Chotiwala and the Haveli Hari Ganga Restaurant. Read More

Day 1: Hyderabad to HaridwarI took a morning flight from Hyderabad to Delhi. I then took an afternoon train to Haridwar. It took 5 hours to reach Haridwar. I checked into a hotel close to the railway station and stayed the night.

Day 2: The Bus departed at 6:00 and after a long 8-9 hrs journey we were finally at Rudrapryag. Now I didn't had a clue on how to reach deorital, I asked some taxi drivers and I'm telling u don't even dare to ask em they were asking for ₹1500 to ₹3000. And then I found out that there was a bus at 14:30 hrs that cost us just ₹60. At 18:00 hrs we started the trek to Deorital. But the action was left to happen. At around 19:30 hrs it started to rain and and the visibility was near zero we all had our headlamps on, by 20:00 hrs it was raining heavily and we were yet to set the tent. By the time the tent was ready to take us in I was soaked now it's sleep time ... Atleast that's what I thought and expected.

I just bag packed and left from Delhi via Noida to Rishikesh at 11:30 AM. It was Friday, the first time I was driving all over from Delhi to Noida that is not more than 30 km and then suddenly Bang! I hit my swift to a divider. I managed to reach Noida and my friends joined and I handed over the driver seat to him.Now the Trip Starts from here Delhi-Noida-Haridwar-RishikeshOn the way we take some snacks-popcorn, chips and cold drink to munch. Since it was Friday the perfect weekend so there was too much traffic on the route. We reached Haridwar at 5:30 P.M and decided to reach Harki pauri as it was the time for Evening Aarti and we do not want to miss that. We reached Harki pauri and the place was teeming but the view was amazing. The flow of river Ganga, the evening sunset, the beautiful glittering diyas floating and the chanting of mantra to appease the god that embraces “Jai maa gange jai jai gange” in a recurring voice is a sight to behold. The tiny diyas bedecked by flowers appears as if thousands of lamps are set to float in the river. We stay there till the Aarti end.Since it was late in the evening we decided to stay in Haridwar only. We searched for hotel and finally decided to stay in Hotel Crystal Ganga Heights that was hardly 2km from the Harki Pauri. The Hotel was cosy and the rooms were comfortable. We had our dinner in the hotel and the food was wonderful. In the midnight we celebrated my birthday and that too was great.

Has it ever happened that you plan for a Trek and you end up completing some other Trek? Well, Pangarchulla was something like that. We had planned for a trek to Bagini glacier on 25th of April, we started for Haridwar via New Delhi. It was already late evening when we reached Haridwar-the city of gods. After checking into the hotel we decided to take a walk along the river bank, which i must say was clean these days.

After seeking blessings at these major temples, we returned to Har Ki Pauri. Before the aarti ritual we all took a dip in the sacred and pristine cool water of Ganga to wash our sins. If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Har Ki Pauri you can visit Swami Sarvanand Ghat to take a holy dip which is comparatively less crowded and well maintained. Now it’s time for some food walk in this holy town. Non vegetarian food is prohibited in Haridwar. But not to worry, the vegetarian delicacies available here are excellent in terms of quality & quantity.

This was the last phase of our trip, returning from Joshimath to Haridwar and then back to Gurgaon. We checked out of the hotel by 8.30 am and after a fairly uneventful and comfortable journey, we reached at Haridwar around 5.30 pm. Got a hotel near railway station to rest before catching the train (Mussoorie Express) to Delhi at 11.15 pm.Thus came to end another enticing journey to the mountains, filled with fun, adventure, fairy tales, fantasies, mythologies and overwhelming beauty of nature. A journey that satiated my soul. The places we saw, the people we met and the stories we heard will always be a part of me as memories for life. But my memories of the Valley are not complete yet and hopefully I will come back soon to get drenched in all its colors.

1) Haridwar-Rishkesh Get a car and go all the way 200km to Haridwar. A 5 hour long ride will take you there. Visit the holy place and Get ready to travel a little more to Rishikesh. Here is where the real fun begins. From river side camping to river rafting each and everything here will get you the essential break you need. If you want more info on rishikesh you can read my dedicated blog I published some time ago.

Day 6: Govindghat to HaridwarAgain started our trip early in the morning from Govindghat to reach haridwar on time. We went Har ki paudi and had spiritual experience after attending evening Ganga Arti.

The melodious chorus of temple bells, the sweet fragrance of incense and the positive energy in Mathura city all come together to offer you an experience unlike another.
The most popular temple in the birthplace of Shri Krishna is the Dwarkadesh Temple, which is home to a lovely shrine of Lord Krishna and Radha among other deities. And if you happen to visit the temple during the festivals of Janmashtami, Diwali and Holi, you'll be in for a huge surprise. The energy of the temple and the city will take you by storm and you will fall in love with the small energetic town.
The culture of Mathura is perhaps what attracts people to this lovely town rather than its mythological importance, though one can't deny or undermine its mythological significance. Among other places to visit, you can head to Vishram Ghat, Rangji temple and Govind Deo temple.
Sacred for both Jains and Buddhists, Mathura sees people from across the world. A meeting point for people from all cultures, there is much to learn and explore in this lovely city. Finding a place to to stay here is not a problem at all since there are a number of small dharamshalas as well as luxurious resorts.Read More

• Enjoy the colours of Holi in Mathura and VrindavanTime to Visit; During Holi; February or MarchHoli, the festival of colours and enjoyment have a great significance in Mathura and Vrindavan. The land of Lord Krishna, Mathura and Vrindavan arethe most visited cities in North India where devotees from every corner gather to bless themselves. But the colours of holi make it more auspicious for a tour. The lath mar holi of Barsana makes the place different from other cities of India during holi. Places to see• Temples of the city• Radha Kund and Shyam Kund• Govardhan Parvat• Tulsi van

Mathura the land of Lord Krishna it is En Route between Agra and Delhi on NH2 it is also oriented or one day excursion point For few Golden triangle travellers. Though the city has its own potential to get more than 5 lakh tourist annually but its not a place just for one day. If you are coming to Mathura and you really want to have a totally different experience & know it then at least live in this for a week. Lord Krishna spent his infant - child and teenage here and this place is full of proof and sources of ultimate joy and happiness. the level of spirituality in locals and connection with their lord is what makes Mathura different. When you travel to Agra from Delhi via NH2 near Mathura the "Jai Gurudev temple" is like a reminder that you are really near to Taj Mahal in Agra.the Jai Gurudev temple is a good place to have a hault and fresh n up yourself as the place is surrounded by a lot of dhabas, motels and sanitation points. if you visit the temple and get in, it takes hardly 30 minutes to cover it all if you do not choose to sit down for a meditation and dhyan. The architecture of Jai Gurudev Temple matches with the Taj Mahal as it is made up of pure white marble and have four pillars at each corner, with a big dome in the centre, which makes it more like a pop up that you are just 60 KMS. away from Taj Mahal in Agra. it's a temple worth visiting and a good place force stop over during your journey towards Agra or Delhi. #Rohantherover #incredibleindia #Mathura #minitaj

5. Enjoy a unique cultural trip through Mathura and VrindavanThese two religious hubs in Uttar Pradesh have a vibrant culture that reflect what India is all about. Delhi to Vrindavan via Mathura is a short road trip for a getaway from Delhi. It takes just about 3 hours to reach Vrindavan via the Yamuna Expressway. The first pitstop on this route, Mathura, is the birthplace of Lord Krishna and the temples and the Vishram Ghat echoing with the Radhe Radhe chant sure make for a surreal experience. On reaching Vrindavan, spend a morning at the Yamuna Kali Ghat and Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. Later, head to the adjacent gully to enjoy some delicious hot savouries.

Braj region of India includes Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana and Nandgaon. Traditional Holi celebration can be seen only here and celebrated for almost 1 month. Lath mar Holi of Barsana is the main attraction and become a major tourist destinations of the region.

Popularly known as Lord Krishna’s birthplace, this religious town makes for a great weekend escape. At a distance of 141 km from Delhi, the destination easily makes for a great weekend getaway from Delhi within 200 km. Mathura is representative of more than 3000 year culture and civilization of India that promises absolute spiritual rejuvenation on your visit. Throngs of pilgrims visit Mathrua every year. Apart from Hindu devotees, people from different faiths visit the town, including Buddhists and Brahmanical Jains.

After sleeping well that night and spending some quality time with the students of PMV college Mathura which reminded me much of my school life and college. Next day, I started early and visited some of the religious places around and headed towards my friend's village via Aligarh and Atrauli to Sirauli

I was supposed to reach Mathura by 18.45 but my train was late by 2 hours as expected from Indian Railways. At the station I did expedited the process of claiming my bike at parcel office by spending few extra bucks (off the record) and suddenly I was treated as a VIP and looking at the no. of VIP India has it was not astonishing.I had planned this trip with a friend from UP (Siroli Village). He had already left from Mumbai a week earlier and was in his village spending some quality time of love with his family. His juniors from Diploma College PMV Mathura came to pick me up at the station and I halted the night in Mathura.

Situated close to the vibrant city of Jaipur, Alwar is a perfect weekend getaway. Home to the wonderful Sariska Tiger Reserve, the grand City Palace and the stunning Siliserh Lake, Alwar offers you a mix of history, architecture and nature.
Though the Sariska Tiger Reserve is perhaps the best way to spend your time in Alwar, you can also spend a little time exploring the lake and Government Museum. When visiting the reserve, do book a safari in advance lest you miss out on a great slot. Early mornings and early evenings are the best way to explore the reserve. Boasting of tigers, including the Bengal Tiger, the reserve is home to the Indian Leopard, Indian Jackal, Sambhar and Wild Boars. Of course, you'll also spot monkeys making a ruckus and a crowd of Neelgais and that is quite fun to watch as well. Avoid eating anything while on the safari since it's a strict no.
The Siliserh Lake is another lovely spot where you can indulge in a bit of boating and a delicious lunch. The food here is a bit on the expensive side but it's totally worth it. While here, you can also take a trip to City Palace. You may feel that there are tons of palaces around Rajasthan that are way more beautiful, but this one has its own charm. Away from the chaos of the main city, it offers you a respite from dilapidated, ill maintained forts.
Do try food at one of the restaurants in the city. Not only is the food delicious, the hospitality is warm and adds to the meal. Read More

Alwar City:I was surprised to discover that Alwar has so much to offer to the discerning traveler. There is so much to see in Alwar which is just half an hour away from Alwar Bagh. Be it Moosi Maharani ki Chatri or pristine Siliserh lake or the many cenotaphs that dot the landscape, Alwar stunned me with its understated beauty.

3. Alwar, Rajasthan : One of the oldest kingdoms of Rajasthan, Alwar is a relatively lesser known gem of the state. It is home to a plethora of palaces and forts that are nothing less than architectural marvels. Alwar is a wonderful little town to live in if in case you are looking to get away from chaos. Bhangarh Fort with its haunted stories is a good 90 kilometres away.